Ports chief disputes Abbot Point expansion fears

The head of North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) says the Great Barrier Reef is not under threat by proposed port development.

NQBP is proposing two major port projects in north Queensland.

A study is underway for a new port at Dudgeon Point, south of Mackay, and the Federal Government is assessing an application to expand the Abbot Point terminal near Bowen, which includes a plan to dredge about three million cubic metres of seabed.

Both projects have been criticised by conservation groups which are worried about the impact on the health of the reef.

However, in an opinion piece, NQBP chief executive Brad Fish says port operations and shipping in the marine park are well regulated and the scale of the activity is minor compared to the size of the reef.

He says port development has been gradual and ordered and complied with strict environmental guidelines.

Mr Fish says the reef and port expansion can safely co-exist.

He says debate about the health of the reef is misinformed and threatens future investment in the country.

Mr Fish says dredging has been done for more than 100 years in the marine park and says scientific research shows storms and crown of thorns starfish are the main reasons for damage to the reef and not dredging.